FAQs
Helping Families Comfortably Afford to Send Their Children to College
Q: Can I skip the workshop and just make an appointment?
A:
We've structured our workshops as an interactive learning experience. Information gained at the workshop allows for an extrememly valuable one-on-one personalized meeting. You'll be given homework to do before meeting with us. It's important to attend.
Q: Do both parents need to attend the workshop?
A:
We cover so much information and ways to help your family potentially save tens of thousands of dollars you'll find it easier to make a decison about moving forward when you are both present. After all, we're talking about college costs upwards of $80,000 to over $200,000 for just one student. You will be better equipped to move forward after attending a workshop. Sometimes parents attend separately and come to a different workshop when they simply cannot attend together. They're glad they did.
Q: Should our student(s) attend the workshop?
A:
Students learn alot about the process and quite frankly get a reality check about the cost. Our parents are grateful for that reality check.
Q: Why should I use your services?
A: Because we have many years of experience. We’ve worked with many families and dedicated many hours obtaining the right answers as to what works and what doesn’t work. We have researched the rules and regulations of the Department of Education and we are very familiar with the volumes of the Higher Education Reauthorization Act. The Act authorizes the major federal student aid programs that are responsible for the majority of financial assistance to purchase guaranteed student loans. Our team is constantly doing research, keeping up-to-date on the latest tax laws, planning laws, pending legislation and college rules that affect parents. Also, as a member of several nationwide organizations, we have the financial resources to research each individual school so that we can give you statistics about what type of award package schools are offering to the average family. If there is a pattern going on, we very aware of it. Finally, you won’t have to spend your precious time and energy – our service handles it for you.
Q: Can’t I do this all myself?
A: Yes. The reason for working with us is because of our knowledge and expertise. We know when the college deadlines are and we make sure you do not miss them. We make sure all the forms are filled out correctly and the correct assets are listed. We guide your student in choosing the right type of schools that fit their need. We know the correct place to record your assets and the correct values. Remember, we’re talking about a college decision costing from over $80,000 at a state school and up to $200,000 at a private school per child. Our passion is to use our expertise to lay out a plan for you and reduce your cost.
Q: But can’t the financial aid department help me with this?
A: This is a common misconception. The sole purpose of colleges is not to give discounts that are in your favor but to obtain funds in their favor for your college experience. They accept your student at their school not only because they think he or she will be an asset but for the institution’s benefit. Colleges and universities are businesses. Another way of looking at this is would you go to the IRS to ask for help on lowering your taxes? No, you wouldn’t. Unfortunately, that’s the same as going to the financial aid office to ask them with help in lowering your college expenses.
Q: What if my student doesn't know what they want to do or doesn't know where they want to go. Wouldn’t it be a waste of time for the service?
A: No, that’s the exact reason to become our client. Our service includes private support services with your student, guidance in their college search, a career profile and a complete discussion of how to pick the career of their dreams. All of the things many parents feel that their students aren’t getting elsewhere. We will be working with you every step of the way and supporting you throughout the process.
Q: Can’t my accountant or financial advisor help me with this?
A: No. CPA’s are excellent at strategies to reduce your income taxes, but they are not trained in the college financial aid process. Tax strategies that are used to reduce your taxes can cost you thousands in lost financial aid dollars. GOOD FINANCIAL TAX PLANNING MAY EQUAL BAD FINANCIAL AID PLANNING! Most Financial Advisors are not specifically educated to minimize college costs. Our specialty is helping people create and protect their wealth against the financial aid formulas that are designed to capture this wealth. Parents need to know where to save their money and how to legally and ethically position their money for purposes of financial aid and how to lower their out-of-pocket college expenses. Where you keep your money could be the difference between receiving thousands of dollars or nothing! We think everyone should pay their fair share for college – but we don’t think anyone should have to overpay simply because they weren't given the tools to work with!
Copyright ©2008 Everett
College Funding Solutions.
A Division of Everett & Associates, Inc.
7777 Lake Street - Suite 117 River Forest, IL 60305 | Phone: (708) 771-7777 | Fax: (708) 771-7786 | Members of the National Association of College Financial Advisors, College Planning Network, and Better Business Bureau.
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